Medicare in Florida: Advantage vs. Supplement Explained

Florida is home to more Medicare beneficiaries than almost any other state. And with so many plan options available — from $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans to comprehensive Medigap policies — choosing the right coverage can feel like a full-time job.

This guide gives you a clear, honest comparison of your two main Medicare options so you can make a confident decision.

Before comparing plan types, it helps to understand what Original Medicare covers — and what it doesn't.

Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people don't pay a premium for Part A if they've worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Medicare Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and medical equipment. The standard Part B premium in 2025 is $185/month (higher for higher-income beneficiaries).

The gap: Original Medicare covers roughly 80% of approved costs. You're responsible for the remaining 20% — with no out-of-pocket maximum. That's where supplemental coverage comes in.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They bundle Part A, Part B, and usually Part D (prescription drugs) into a single plan.

$0 or low monthly premiums. Many Florida Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums beyond your Part B premium. This is a significant draw for retirees on fixed incomes.

Extra benefits. Advantage plans often include dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships (like SilverSneakers), and over-the-counter allowances — benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover.

Prescription drug coverage included. Most Advantage plans include Part D drug coverage, simplifying your coverage into one card.

Network restrictions. Most Advantage plans are HMOs or PPOs, meaning you must use in-network providers. If your preferred doctors aren't in the network, you may need to switch.

Prior authorizations. Some services require pre-approval from the plan before you receive care.

Out-of-pocket maximum. Advantage plans have a yearly out-of-pocket maximum (up to $8,850 in 2025 for in-network services). Once you hit that limit, the plan covers 100%.

Best for: Beneficiaries who want low premiums, don't mind using a network, and want extra benefits like dental and vision.

Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare to cover the cost-sharing gaps — copays, coinsurance, and deductibles — that Medicare leaves behind.

Predictable costs. With a Plan G or Plan N, your out-of-pocket costs are minimal and predictable. Many beneficiaries pay little to nothing beyond their monthly premium.

No networks. Medigap works with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare — nationwide. This is especially valuable for Floridians who travel or spend time in multiple states.

No referrals needed. See any specialist without a referral or prior authorization.

Guaranteed renewable. As long as you pay your premium, your Medigap policy can't be cancelled due to health changes.

Higher monthly premiums. Medigap plans typically cost $100–$300/month depending on your age, plan type, and location.

No drug coverage. You'll need a separate Part D plan for prescription drugs.

No extra benefits. Medigap doesn't include dental, vision, or hearing coverage.

Best for: Beneficiaries who want maximum flexibility, travel frequently, have ongoing health needs, or want to avoid unexpected medical bills.

Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees (those who turned 65 after January 1, 2020). It covers everything except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2025).

Plan N offers slightly lower premiums than Plan G in exchange for small copays ($20 for office visits, $50 for ER visits that don't result in admission).

High-Deductible Plan G has a lower monthly premium but requires you to pay a deductible ($2,870 in 2025) before the plan kicks in. Good for healthy beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection.

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this 6-month window, you have guaranteed issue rights — meaning insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.

This window is critical. After it closes, insurers in most states (including Florida) can use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge higher premiums. Don't miss it.

Every year from October 15 through December 7, you can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (or vice versa)
• Switch between Medicare Advantage plans
• Join, switch, or drop a Part D drug plan

Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.

Medicare decisions are complex, and the wrong choice can cost you thousands of dollars over your retirement. A licensed Medicare agent can:

• Compare all available plans in your ZIP code
• Verify your doctors and prescriptions are covered
• Explain the true cost of each option (premiums + expected out-of-pocket)
• Help you enroll correctly and on time
• Review your coverage annually during the Annual Enrollment Period

Our services are completely free to you — we're compensated by the carriers, not our clients.

Whether you're turning 65 or reviewing your current coverage, our licensed Florida Medicare agents are here to help. We'll walk you through every option available in your area and help you make the choice that's right for your health and your budget.

Request a free Medicare consultation today — no pressure, no obligation.